Description
A cozy, high-protein twist on classic chicken Parmesan, this fast and satisfying bowl combines crispy chicken with creamy cottage cheese and melty mozzarella in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce (Use a good jarred sauce or homemade.)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cottage cheese (Small curd or whipped for a creamy texture.)
- 2 cups crispy chicken (nuggets, cutlets, or rotisserie) (Choose based on preference.)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (Low moisture shreds melt easily.)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated for the best flavor.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (For a drizzle to finish.)
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (Optional for heat.)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup baby spinach (Stir into the sauce for added nutrition.)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (Halved for freshness.)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (Or rice to make it a larger meal.)
Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
- Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat with a pinch of garlic powder and oregano.
- Blend or whisk cottage cheese until creamy and mix it into the warm marinara until smooth.
Cooking the Chicken
- Prepare your chicken: if using nuggets, air fry at 400°F until crispy; if using rotisserie, warm gently in a skillet.
Assembling the Bowl
- Spoon the creamy sauce into a bowl, top with hot chicken, and scatter shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Broil or air fry the assembled bowl for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
Finishing Touches
- Finish with black pepper, red pepper flakes, torn basil, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
For best results, blend cottage cheese if it appears chunky. Assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain the chicken’s crispiness. If using pre-cooked chicken, ensure it is heated thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian